Nottingham Forest secured a crucial 2-0 away victory against Brentford in Match Week 17, thanks to first-half brilliance and disciplined defensive work. Ola Aina and Anthony Elanga were the heroes, converting key chances from Forest’s 1.04 xG while Brentford’s attacking struggles saw them fail to capitalize on their 0.92 xG. Forest’s clinical edge and Brentford’s inefficiency ultimately decided this tightly contested encounter.
Match Momentum and Key Stats
The xG timeline showed a balanced affair, but Nottingham Forest seized the initiative in the first half with Aina’s opener (37’, xG 0.31). Elanga’s second-half strike (51’, xG 0.19) cemented their lead, while Brentford’s sporadic attacking efforts never gathered enough momentum to break through.
Key Stats:
Nottingham Forest: 9 shots (5 on target), xG 1.04
Brentford: 5 shots (3 on target), xG 0.92
Forest’s efficiency shone, scoring two goals from just five on-target efforts.
Shots and Goals Analysis
Nottingham Forest displayed clinical finishing, with Aina and Elanga converting from inside the box, exploiting Brentford’s defensive gaps. The shot map underlines Forest’s attacking discipline, as both goals came from high xG opportunities close to goal.
Brentford, on the other hand, struggled in front of goal despite 63% possession. Their three on-target efforts lacked the precision and composure needed to trouble Forest’s defense, with Forest goalkeeper M. Sels rarely called into action.
Possession and Passing Tactics
Brentford dominated possession with fluid build-up play, as seen in their pass map. Christian Nørgaard and Mathias Jensen orchestrated from midfield, but their link-up with Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo was stifled by Forest’s compact defensive shape.
Forest’s pass map highlighted a direct and effective approach. Morgan Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi were pivotal in transitioning from defense to attack, while Chris Wood and Elanga provided the cutting edge upfront. Ola Aina and Neco Williams added width, keeping Brentford’s wide players in check.
This victory showcased Nottingham Forest’s ability to punch above their weight away from home. Their defensive organization and clinical attacking were key to frustrating Brentford, who will rue their missed opportunities. Forest fans will be delighted with a hard-fought three points, while Brentford must reassess their attacking approach to bounce back in the next match.